By Melanie Cane
Growing up with a father who is a Colonel in the Army Reserves and an Engineer Officer who played Division 1 lacrosse in college, Madison (Madi) Warne, the middle child between two brothers, knew from a young age that she wanted to follow in her father Matthew’s footsteps. “I have always admired my father’s selfless sacrifices, commitment, and pride serving our beautiful country. I too want to be part of something bigger than myself.” In August she will start living her dream at the United States Military Academy (West Point) where she will play Division 1 lacrosse.
Being on a team is a way of being a part of something bigger than yourself, and Warne has walked the walk all four years at Holy Child. She was a four-year starter and captain of the Varsity lacrosse team and a three-year starter on both the soccer and basketball teams. She was also captain of the soccer team. Of the three sports, lacrosse is by far her favorite.
Her passion for lacrosse began in first grade when she joined a travel team. “I immediately fell in love with the way the game is played. Working together as a team is an amazing feeling. Waking up early in the morning for all the tournaments over the years, I used to get butterflies from the excitement to play the game I love.”
On April 17, in a game against Greenwich Academy, Warne broke the school scoring record of 206 goals. She finished her Holy Child career with 257 goals and 183 assists. This year alone she scored 70 goals and 24 assists and helped lead her team to the NYSAIS semifinals. Holy Child Athletic Director and Lacrosse coach Catherine Conway praised her rise froma go-to scoring threat to a driven and consistent two-way midfielder. “Madi’s athletic IQ from other sports has translated to lacrosse as well, making her a dynamic player across the field. As a captain this season, she led by example on and off the field and was the consummate teammate. We had a young team — 11 new varsity players all freshmen or sophomores — and Madi ensured that they were part of the group and knew the ropes.”
Gryphon Basketball coach Mike Duignan added, “Madi displayed great leadership in many forms. She could take a step back and allow her teammates to succeed, gain confidence, and then step forward at a time when her team needed her most. She led by example, challenging herself and her teammates to work harder in practice by always practicing hard. She embraced the challenge of guarding the opposing team’s star player, even if it placed her out of her comfort area.” He added, “She learned from that challenge and used it to be better next time. Also, when the game was close, Madi would stick her head into the huddle and lend positive encouragement.”
Off the field, Warne thrived in Holy Child’s small classes and one-on-one student teacher relationships. The intimate setting enabled her to develop her interests in math and science. Apart from academics, she played an active role in the school community by helping to organize fundraisers.
“The small community allowed me to find amazing friends and a second home. School of the Holy Child prepared me for the rest of my life,” she said thoughtfully.
Speaking of the rest of her life, Coach Duignan predicts, “Madi will contribute greatly to her college athletic and academic program, as well as the activities that create a meaningful student culture on campus, with her solid, honest, and respectful character.”
In ten years, Warne sees herself in the United States Army, either on active duty or in the reserves.
Caption:
Madi Warne
